Germany seeks to enshrine EU flag

Germany has mounted a last-ditch effort to get the European Union flag, anthem, motto and single currency recognised in the new EU Reform Treaty.

Along with 15 other nations, Germany is attempting to add a new clause that enshrines those symbols of the EU that were not included in the original treaty. Gordon Brown had specifically been against them being included.

It comes just days before the controversial treaty - which is almost identical to the rejected EU Constitution - is signed in Lisbon.

Last night, William Hague, the shadow foreign secretary, said: "As ever the world of the EU is bizarre. Brussels already uses the flag and the anthem. One of the few changes in the new EU treaty from the original constitution was that they wouldn't become official. British ministers should give a clear message: forget it.

''But what really matters is the substance - the serious hand-over of powers, including on foreign policy and home affairs from Britain to the EU. That hasn't changed and that is why Gordon Brown should keep his promise and let the British people decide in a referendum."

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Germany wants the document to support the EU "Stars" flag, the anthem Ode to Joy, and its motto "United in Diversity". The single European currency - the euro - would also be formally recognised. Opponents of the treaty seized on the German move as further evidence that the document was the same as the rejected constitution.

The Prime Minister is still to decide whether he will attend the official treaty signing in Lisbon on Thursday. British officials are expected to resist the late German moves.

Mr Brown has refused to give Britain a vote on the treaty. The Daily Telegraph campaign for a referendum, which was promised in Labour's 2005 election manifesto, has attracted more than 100,000 backers.